Young Oella resident helps Ronald McDonald House

Read about this very charitable young lady here.

New Summer camp at the Westchester Center

New summer sports camp Camp Energy, click here.

**This is not an endorsement, just an announcement. The HOA is in no way connected to the camp.**

OHOA beautification/environmnetal enhancement efforts & tree dedication

A few announcements about recent beautification/environmental enhancements we've (volunteers) been doing on HOA common areas:

-Clearing of brush at Pleasant Hill to make way for a new perennial bed

-Planting trees: 15 small redbuds planted behind Long and Short Brick Rows; 5 small poplars planted at Timber Point

-Perennials being planted near Long & Short Brick Rows, Spring Street

-Mulched footpath in Short Brick Row common area (accessible near ferns along grassy area)

-Pulled many invasive weeds

-Lillies Lane volunteers cleaned up flower bed

Thanks to those who have volunteered time and materials! If you have noninvasive perennials you' like to get rid of, please contact Amanda at laueram@yahoo.com. We'll find a good home for them.

We're also gauging interest in dedicating a tree in memory of Ernest Harden (Jr.), a former mill worker who recently died. E-mail Amanda if you are interested in contributing. A tree will be planted behind Short Brick Row in the Fall using the funds.

Oella beautification project near Trolley Stop

The installation of the Oella beautification project funded by the proceeds from the 2008 Oella Home & Garden pilgrimage is almost complete! Stop by the corner of Oella Ave & Frederick Rd to admire the cleaned up riverbank and new plantings. As the plants mature, the entrance to our community will become even more lovely. Signs designating the plant species are planned for later in the year. Hopefully this will inspire numerous landscape improvement efforts around the community.

Volunteers are needed to help weed and water periodically. If you would like to help, contact the project head Lisa Baum at lknab_baum@yahoo.com.

Long Range Planning Committee

The OHOA Long Range Planning Committee (LRPC) could use another member to help map out a plan for the next 5-10 years. Items to plan (implementation and funding) include repair/replacement of HOA-owned hardscaping (parking lots, walls, etc.),landscaping projects, website and management company requirements, possible CCR revision, updated "cliffs notes" version of how the HOA operates, and a protocol for community input prior to implementing large-scale projects. Our meetings are informal, and are held on the last Tuesday of each month at 7:30pm at Bean Hollow. LRPC activities will be summarized at the annual meeting of members.

Tentative Oella HOA Meeting Agenda – May 17th 2010

1.Call to Order – 7:00pm
2.April Meeting Minutes – Discuss/Revise/Approve
3.Treasurer’s Report
4.ARC Update
5.HOA Landscaping & Common Areas
6.Guidelines Committee update
7.Board Action Items from Management Report
8.Old Business
9.New Business
10.Questions and comments from residents
11.Move to Adjourn

Westchester Ave. to be repaved with stimulus funds

The county will use stimulus funds for road repavement projects over the next two years. Read more here.

Invasive weeds pulled and new trees planted along the mill race

Volunteers pulled 13 bags of invasive weeds pulled from along the mill race. To help beautify, "greenify," and shade out the weeds, we're in the process of planting understory trees along the mill race and in the common area behind Short Brick Row. In addition, a white flowering dogwood was planted in the Spring Street common area. These new trees were acquired through donations and the money from the Spring plant fundraiser. Thanks to all who participated.

No bulk trash pickup in BaltCo

This is a reminder to residents that Baltimore County does not pick up bulk trash. Click here to find out what they do accept and where to take your bulk items.

Mill Race garlic mustard pull Saturday May 8, 9:30am

Weather permitting, we'll be pulling invasive garlic mustard from along the mill race on Saturday morning. If you can help, please look for the group behind Long Brick Row (744-780 Oella Ave). Gloves and long pants are advisable. We'll pull until we get tired. Garlic mustard cook-off & social to follow in the evening. Details available at the pull.